On Sunday afternoon, a seaplane made a hard landing in New York City's East River, resulting in the rescue of eight individuals. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) received a report at 12:01 p.m. about a plane in the water near the NY Skyport at East 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Manhattan. Fire crews arrived to find the seaplane upright and successfully removed all passengers before towing the aircraft back to a nearby dock. Two civilians sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Kodiak 100 seaplane and reported that the pilot declared a mayday prior to the landing, which caused a wing strut to snap. The seaplane had departed from East Hampton Airport on Long Island and was en route to the Skyport terminal in Manhattan. The FAA is currently investigating the incident, and further details about the pilot and passengers have not been disclosed. Video footage from the scene captured first responders assisting the individuals aboard the aircraft as it floated in the river.